THE old saying goes that a dog is Man's best friend. Unfortunately, it sometimes works out that Man isn't a dog's best friend.

Our canine companions can rightly feel considerably aggrieved at some of the treatment that comes their way after their days of usefulness are over, witness the problems of racing greyhounds.

While this is in no way a tip at the greyhound racing industry, in which many people labour long and hard to ensure their charges are comfortable and well cared for, the sheer volume of numbers involved means difficulties are inevitable.

Around 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing every year in Britain, either because of injury or because they are no longer good enough to continue racing.

Typically, the dogs are aged between four and six, although some are much younger, and despite the British Greyhound Racing Board making considerable efforts to encourage owners to take responsibility for their dogs in old age, it is sadly all too easy to look the other way.

"Very few of these dogs manage to find good homes," maintained Tony Peters, of the Kidderminster-based Greyhound Action organisation, which was formed five years ago to act as a protection group for the breed.

"This is hardly surprising, given a situation where tens of thousands of ordinary dogs are put to sleep every year because no homes are available for them.

"One large area of our work is to help the hundreds of greyhounds who have survived their racing careers, but are not yet fortunate enough to find themselves in good homes.

"Most of these greyhounds are in rescue centres all over the country, but there are also a considerable number in foster homes."

Conditions in the rescue centres vary considerably.

Some kennels, belonging, for example, to high profile organisations such as the National Canine Defence League, are often "top of the range", with heating and heated beds for the dogs and paid staff to attend to them.

In contrast, many rescue centres operate on a much more local level and although run by kindly people, are forced to operate on a shoe-string budget, can't afford to have heating installed in their kennels and have to rely heavily on volunteers because of lack of money to pay staff.

"Greyhound Action helps to find homes for ex-racing greyhounds by acting as a central point that people can contact if they're interested in giving a greyhound a home," Tony added.

"We then put them in touch with the nearest rescue centre.

"We also do our utmost to encourage people to do voluntary work at rescue centres, and we can put anyone who wishes to help in this way in touch with their local rescue centre.

"Work usually involves cleaning out the kennels, feeding the dogs and taking them for walks."

Recently, Greyhound Action launched a project to supply coats for greyhounds in rescue centres.

"Greyhounds have very little body fat," Tony explained, "and, being short haired, they're vulnerable to the cold.

"This is a particular problem since most rescue centres are unheated and also the majority of them have neither the funds to buy coats, which can cost as much as £20 each, nor the time to make them.

"We sent publicity out asking of the public could help with making these coats and were delighted with the response.

"All those who contact us are sent instructions on how to make the coats and a list of rescue centres that need them.

"The coats can be made quite simply from old or unwanted blankets, which are easily obtainable from charity shops, or from any other material that is warm and washable.

"We ask people to take or send any coats they make direct to the rescue centres rather than to us, as that means they reach the dogs more quickly."

Anyone who isn't able to make coats themselves, but still wants to help the project can do so by sending a donation.

Perhaps I should point out, so that no one is under any illusion, the ultimate aim of Greyhound Action is the abolition of greyhound racing in this country, because of some alleged unsavoury practices that surround the sport.

This extreme stance puts the organisation completely at odds with the British Greyhound Racing Board.

However, I think it would be fair to say, both bodies have the welfare of the greyhound as a top priority and when it comes to improving the comfort of the dogs they would agree.

If you want to help make cold weather coats you can contact Greyhound Action at PO Box 127, Kidderminster DY10 3UZ, phone 01562 745778, or send a cheque marked Greyhound Coats Project.

Perhaps the proceeds could come from your winnings on the 7.25 at Moor Green.